/ 28 February 2011

England keeper Davies announces he is gay

England wicketkeeper Steven Davies publicly announced Monday he is gay, becoming the first active professional cricketer to out himself.

The Surrey player (25) told the Daily Telegraph newspaper that he wanted it to be more acceptable to come out.

“I just felt it was the right time for me,” he said.

“It’s something that I’ve obviously wanted to do for a long time. I’ve probably been comfortable with it now for a couple of years.

“The reason why I’ve decided to make it public is simply because I think the more people do it the more acceptable it becomes.”

Davies, who was part of England’s victorious Ashes squad, said he decided to reveal his sexuality to his teammates before the tour of Australia and received the full support of his colleagues.

Davies was in England’s provisional 30-man World Cup squad but did not make the cut.

He is one of very few professional sportsmen to come out. — Sapa-AFP